Oncology Ny
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Romiplostim for the treatment of chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura.
On August 22, 2008, Romiplostim (Nplate for Injection) received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, or splenectomy. This report summarizes the FDA analyses of the clinical data supporting this approval. ⋯ The FDA approved romiplostim for use among certain patients with chronic ITP. This approval included a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy to ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh its risks.
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The 10-year survival rate for patients with metastatic melanoma is less than 10%. Although surgery and radiation therapy have a role in the treatment of metastatic disease, systemic therapy is the mainstay of treatment for most patients. ⋯ Immunotherapeutic approaches such as high-dose interleukin-2 are associated with durable responses in a small percentage of patients. In this article, we review the treatments for metastatic melanoma including promising investigational approaches.
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More than 50% of patients diagnosed with cancer in 2008 died in the same year, according to estimates from the American Cancer Society. Clearly, while survival rates for many cancers continue to improve, a significant number of patients with cancer will not survive their disease. Hospice care provides terminally ill patients with a unique set of benefits, services, and support. ⋯ Many barriers and misconceptions related to hospice care can prevent timely referrals and impede discussions. Also, conversations about goals of care, treatment preferences, and advanced care planning can be challenging and overwhelming. This article reviews the hospice care model and highlights ways in which oncology nurses can make a difference in how patients live their final days.